Radiocarbon dioxide detection based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy and a quantum cascade laser

Monitoring of radiocarbon (¹⁴C) in carbon dioxide is demonstrated using mid-infrared spectroscopy and a quantum cascade laser. The measurement is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, and a high sensitivity is achieved with a simple setup. The instrument was tested using a standardized sample containing elevated levels of radiocarbon. Radiocarbon dioxide could be detected from samples with an isotopic ratio ¹⁴C/C as low as 50 parts-per-trillion, corresponding to an activity of 5 kBq/m³ in pure CO₂, or 2 Bq/m³ in air after extraction of the CO₂ from an air sample. The instrument is simple, compact, and robust, making it the ideal tool for on-site measurements. It is aimed for monitoring radioactive gaseous emissions in a nuclear power environment, during the operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Its high sensitivity also makes it the ideal tool for the detection of leaks in radioactive waste repositories.